It’s one of the year’s most exciting new openings and we can’t wait to pack our bags for Hazelwood Estate on the edge of World Heritage listed Lamington National Park, just 40 minutes from the Gold Coast.

The new luxury retreat, which opened on 1 September, is spread across 75 acres of lush hinterland countryside. This is a country retreat on a grand scale – rolling hills, fresh air and luxurious accommodation options.

The accommodation has been designed for privacy while also immersing you in nature. The three north-west facing luxury pavilions are the perfect spot for soaking up the blazing sunsets (ideally from the freestanding bath or private verandah).

Dotted throughout the property are 17 secluded king farm cabins (hello hinterland vistas), and we love that there’s an accessible option in there too. Each cabin brings the outside in with floor-to-ceiling glass and private decks. Couple that with the heavenly rain shower, log burning fire and mini bar stocked with locally-sourced goodies, and you may never want to leave your room.

Except you may want to follow your nose to The Paddock, the estate’s signature restaurant. Overlooking the property’s polo field, The Paddock exudes country charm with its high-ceilings, tan leather couches and rustic timber tables.

Cameron Matthews, one of Australia’s top talent in the kitchen is the chef-in-residence, and his menu pays tribute to the abundance of fresh, local produce. The two or three-course à la carte dinner menu may include Matthew’s renowned beef tartare, toasted camel milk gnocchi with brown butter or coal grilled beef with salt baked potato, dill oil and potato cream.

But if you fancy drinks before dinner (and let’s face it, that’s always a good idea), the estate’s cocktail bar and sunset terrace create an elegant yet cosy ambience with its crackling fireplace and timber terrace. May we suggest the Ballunji cocktail, which really is “like the local waterfall, fresh with a zing” as the description says, with its Husk Distillers ink gin, crème de violet, garden mint and lime.

A stay at Hazelwood Estate is sure to leave you feeling good, especially when you discover how much the property values sustainability. Seventy per cent of the property’s energy consumption comes from solar power (the estate aims to go completely off grid within two years) and all the water used onsite is from harvested rainwater.

Wrap up your experience with a visit to Spa by Hazelwood – the retreat’s day spa. Choose from organic facials, massages, scrubs and wraps, all of which evoke the scent of Australia with their use of vanilla, sandalwood, lemon myrtle and ginger.

Hazelwood Estate is located at 422 Binna Burra Road Beechmont, Queensland Australia, 4211. Phone: 07 5602 9710, Email: enquiries@hazelwoodestate.com.au.